Many hands make light work: My College Cares Day brings service across the community
Nearly 600 Meridian Community College students, faculty, and staff traded classrooms for community service during the College’s annual My College Cares Day.
“This day is one of the most meaningful things we do at MCC,” said Marion Whiting, director of housing and student activities and chair of the My College Cares Committee. “It’s more than a tradition, it’s part of who we are. Every year, our Eagles volunteer to meet needs, and it’s powerful.”
More than 45 community sites across Meridian and Lauderdale County welcomed MCC volunteers this year. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff rolled up their sleeves to lend a hand from painting murals, planting gardens, performing for nursing home residents, and more.
At the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, students from MCC’s Precision Machining Engineering Technology cleaned up around Soulé Steam Feed Works. At The Carter Foundation, MCCers decorated for Halloween, while others worked on painting a mural at Meridian High School.
College students and employees volunteer across the community in various efforts, including painting, cleaning, organizing, picking up litter, trimming trees, reading to children, and setting up for special events.
Community partners say the help is invaluable. “It would take us a day to do what they can do in about an hour,” said St. Patrick Catholic School Principal Rob Calcote. “With limited staff, their helping hands mean a lot.”
For some students, the experience was eye-opening. “Being in a health program, they want you to come out in the community to show you care,” said Dental Hygiene Program first-year student Bethany Hughes of Meridian, who helped make veterans' appreciation cards with classmates. “I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’ll probably do more on my own time.”
AccentCare, a hospice and palliative care provider, participated in My College Cares for the first time this year. “We absolutely love having volunteers,” said McKayla Bedwell, volunteer services coordinator. “We will definitely continue to do this for sure.”
As Whiting summed it up, “My College Cares is such an important day because you know there are needs, but sometimes it can feel too large to tackle. Through this day, we can make a difference through small acts in just a day’s work.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.